The h-tron quattro concept uses hydogren fuel cell technology – and an on-board, temporary-boost-of-power battery – to drive a 90-kW motor attached to the front axle as well as a 140-kW motor in the rear. The motors help the h-tron accelerate to 100 km/h from zero in under seven seconds; and the hydrogen fuel tanks can be topped off in around four minutes. Driving range with full tanks is about 600 kilometers (370 miles), Audi says.

The h-tron quattro concept also acts as a testbed for the semi-autonomous technologies Audi will be bringing to its production vehicle line in 2017, specifically its central driver assistance controller (zFAS) system, which can offer the driver assistance while parking; or help guide the car at speeds up to 60 km/h.

Audi also shed the spotlight in Detroit on its new A4 allroad quattro, an off-road-capable version of its A4 wagon with an added 34 millimeters (1.3 inches) of extra ground clearance. The car, available with engines with up to 272 horsepower, comes with options like Audi’s virtual cockpit and MMI navigation plus, as well as adaptive cruise control and trailer assist.